West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
10:15 PM: Police and fire are headed to 62nd/Alki for a report that two people have been shot. Updates to come. No word yet on conditions or circumstances.
10:24 PM: They’ve told dispatch one victim was shot in the abdomen. K-9 is being used to search for a suspect or suspects.
(Photos and video by Christopher Boffoli unless otherwise credited)
10:28 PM: The victims are described as a “youth female and adult male,” both shot in the rump. No description of the shooter(s) so far.
10:39 PM: Commenters have mentioned hearing many gunshots – and now an officer has just radioed in that they found 10 shell casings. Meantime, at least one of the shooting victims is being taken to Harborview Medical Center. …
A moment later, the officer upped that to “18 casings, rifle rounds.” … Now a second medic unit is headed to Harborview.
10:47 PM: Though the initial scene was reported as 62nd/Alki, police are also finding casings at 61st/Alki, and noting that witnesses reported someone shooting from a vehicle as they left the scene.
11:11 PM: Police have just briefed media at the scene (we have two people there) – both victims are 37, a man and a woman, she was injured more seriously, and they were shot while walking. The vehicle involved is believed to have been an SUV but no other details. We’ll add the full briefing video when uploaded.(Added: Here’s that video, of Det. Valerie Carson:)
(WSB video by Patrick Sand)
11:25 PM: SFD confirms the man was in stable condition when transported, the woman in serious condition.
12:16 AM: As described by Det. Carson in the video we’ve added above, police believe this was a drive-by shooting, and that while the victims were together, they did not know the shooter(s). Since she updated us at the scene, they’ve released two more details: The vehicle was described as a light-colored SUV. And the number of casings found at the scene has risen to “more than two dozen.” Police add: “Anyone with information about this shooting should call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.”
Since the playoff victory we covered a week ago, the West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team lost a match, but got another chance in the Metro League playoffs, and turned that into a win today.
WSHS beat Garfield 4-1 this afternoon at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point. Brooke Swanson had two of the Wildcats’ goals; the others were by Allie Bennett and Olivia Shih. WSHS held Garfield scoreless until the Bulldogs’ one and only goal at 60:40. Their next game is at 7 pm Wednesday at and against Bishop Blanchet.
Three West Seattle Halloween scenes:
‘NIGHTMARE ON 44TH’: David Williams sent the photo from his revived “Nightmare on 44th” animatronic front-yard show, 3800 block of 44th Ave SW until 9 pm, one of many attractions listed in our West Seattle Halloween Guide.
SKELETON THEATRE: West Seattle’s longest-running animatronic front-yard show has been having technical difficulties tonight. We did get to see part of the show around 7:30:
They weren’t sure if they’d get it all together tonight but they were trying. It’s scheduled to run tomorrow night (Tuesday, November 1st) between 6 and 9. You can at least get a look at the not-so-bare-bones “cast” on the elevated stage:
Skeleton Theatre’s viewable from the east side of the southwest corner of 36th/Hanford.
COSTUMED CREW: Finally, many workers at local businesses dress up for Halloween. This photo was sent by Gay.
Gay explained, “Suki had a Special Delivery for Miss Jimmye and the whole gang at Junction True Value.”
5:20 PM: A Seattle Fire midsize response in High Point has just been upgraded to a full response, in the 6400 block of 30th SW [map]. Updates to come.
5:25 PM: The fire was small and is out already, Apparently a dryer was to blame. firefighters are telling dispatch.
5:28 PM: Some of the units are being dismissed. No report of injuries.
5:50 PM: Just talked with firefighters as they were packing up. They confirmed the dryer was the problem, and that no one was hurt.
(T-5 construction photo from NWSA slide deck)
Tomorrow, the Seattle and Tacoma port commissions meet together as managing members of the Northwest Seaport Alliance. Their agenda includes the quarterly update on West Seattle’s Terminal 5, and agenda documents reveal two notable updates:
STILL NO SHORE POWER: As we reported about a month ago, despite the modernized Berth 1 at T-5 having been built with the capability for ships to plug into “shore power” and therefore avoid burning fuel while docked, it still wasn’t happening. But it was finally going to start this month, NWSA told us. It hasn’t, according to an agenda document with this update:
The first shore power plug-in was scheduled for early October and had to be postponed due to configuration issues. A solution to the issues is being coordinated between the shipping line, the terminal operator, Port of Seattle, and NWSA.
We have an inquiry out asking what the “configuration issues” are and what kind of timeline is expected for their resolution. Added Tuesday morning: Here’s the response to our questions from NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh: “The shore power configuration issues indicated in the briefing memo are related to electrical issues that emerged when the initial plug-in was tested. The NWSA, Port of Seattle, and SSA are working toward a solution that will correct the electrical wiring and enable ships to plug-in. The timing is difficult to estimate at this time. Our team is hopeful the timeframe will be weeks or a month or two at the latest.”
SOUTH BERTH ESTIMATE: While the first modernized berth at T-5 opened early this year, the second berth – the south side of the dock – has been under construction. Last year, there were hopes it would be done by the end of this year. Agenda documents for tomorrow’s meeting say it’ll be closer to the end of next year:
Phase 2 (South Berth) construction project is currently behind the contract schedule date of December 31, 2022. Likely completion is September 2023, in time for the delivery of the South Berth cranes. … Activities are behind schedule due to concrete strike and the additional scope of the pile repair.
The public session of the meeting is expected to start around 12:30 pm Tuesday; here’s the agenda, and here’s where the meeting will be streamed.
Lincoln Park is a little greener today thanks to the work by those volunteers, led by Friends of Lincoln Park, during Green Seattle Day on Saturday. FLiP forest steward Lisa McGinty sent photos and video with this recap:
50 volunteers helped put 365 native trees and plants in the ground. Add to that, it was just a great opportunity for community to gather and to feel a bit more connected to the land and our relationship to nature.
While we worked, we were treated to acoustic music by three WSHS students of the band The Potholes (their full band played the last set at the Junction Harvest Festival yesterday).
And members from the WSHS Earth Club helped with setup/volunteer sign-in and planting! The weather was great too. A Perfect day all around and I’m still smiling
Watch here for future opportunities to help!
Just got word from Kersti Muul that transient killer whales are near us in Puget Sound, seen northbound from Southworth. Let us know if you see them!
Just might be the most adorable Halloween scene of the day. Sent by Our Lady of Guadalupe School:
Firefighters from Station 37 paid a visit today to Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Early Learning Center. Students and dalmatians (teachers)
all enjoyed the visit on this festive Halloween day!
Station 37 is just a few blocks north of OLG on 35th.
You might have noticed that the former Q Cleaners at 4744 California SW in The Junction is now Alex Dry Cleaners. Its new namesake was the owner of House of Kleen at 4425 Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, which closed last week and posted this sign:
(Thanks to Ian for the photo)
There won’t be a replacement in that building, though, because it’s slated for demolition. The 56-year-old building will be torn down so contaminated soil can be cleaned up. We first noticed an early permit filing for this in the city system more than half a year ago, but couldn’t confirm what would happen to the business until now. The property owner told us at the time that their plan was simply for cleanup, adding, “There are no further plans for future redevelopment.” (But it should be noted that the site is close to what would be the Avalon light-rail station if Sound Transit‘s current “preferred alternative” gets final approval.)
(Photo by Jeff Jones, from Sunday’s ‘Witches and Warlocks Paddle’ off Seacrest)
Tonight’s the night! We have a two-part reminder list again today – first, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide:
TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT TRICK OR TREATING: We compiled a list of local Teal Pumpkin Project participants – offering treats for kids with food allergies – see it here.
HALLOWEEN ‘KIDS EAT FREE’: 11 am-9 pm, dine-in or drive-thru at Pecos Pit-West Seattle (35th/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor), and kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of an entree by someone accompanying them.
BOUNCING + TREATS: Puget Ridge/Cottage Grove Trick-or-Treat/Bounce House Party for the little ones, 3-6 pm. (5014 Puget Blvd. SW)
HALLOWEEN AT THE ALLEY: From 4 pm to 2 am at The Alley (4509 California SW, in the rear): “Come dressed as your favorite rock star or band! There will be a costume contest for the best costume and more.”
TRICK OR TREATING WITH HISTORY: Trick or treat at the Log House Museum (3003 61st SW), 5-7 pm. Museum also open those hours!
TRUNK OR TREAT #1: Trunk-or-Treat at Grace Church (10323 28th SW), 5:30-7:30 pm.
MEEDS MANOR: The “haunted walk-through” is back at 45th and Stevens. From Meeds Manor: “We have a new set up in the front yard with a carnEVIL theme but the rest is hidden in the back yard and will be open to the public (tonight) from 5:30-9. We have built about 10 rooms with different themes and will have actors scattered throughout. This year we are taking donations to support the West Seattle High School girls’ basketball Team. The team will be working the event for their fundraiser.”
WHILE YOU’RE THERE … the “Morph on 44th” (photo above) is nearby, 2747 44th SW.
TRUNK OR TREAT #2: Trunk-or-Treat at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd St.), 6-8 pm.
SKELETON THEATRE: Back for another year! Skeleton Theatre returns, with “The Illusion of Death” – magic performed by animatronic skeletons on a front-yard stage at 36th/Hanford. Show runs continuously (with short breaks to reset) 6-9 pm; more info here. (8 PM UPDATE: They’ve been having technical difficulties tonight – as of about half an hour ago they got things going in fits and starts.)
MORE SPOOKY ANIMATRONICS: “Nightmare on 44th” returns! Animatronic front-yard show, 6 pm to 9 pm. 3800 block 44th Ave SW.
YARD SHOW: “Halloween frights” with lights, sounds, ghosts at at 5206 23rd Ave SW. “Full-size treats on Halloween.”
LIGHT SHOW: Halloween light show at West Seattle Yuletide, 6-9:30 pm, 38th SW between Dakota and Genesee.
CHURCH PARTY: Trinity West Seattle at 7551 35th Ave SW is “hosting a free Halloween party for families that will include pumpkin carving, carnival games, face painting, and a giant maze along with plenty of candy prizes and trick or treat options, and a place to take photos of all the kids in their costumes.” 6-8 pm, everyone welcome.
NIGHTFALL ORPHANAGE: spooky experience at 4544 51st Place SW, 7-~10 pm (extended hours Halloween). No admission charge, but charity donations requested. Details here.
(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)
And the non-Halloween happenings, from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOCCER PLAYOFFS: 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), cheer on the West Seattle High School girls in a must-win playoff game vs. Garfield.
CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.
MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to list on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Dream Dinners-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), longtime leader in meal prep, can save you kitchen time any time of year, but that’s especially valuable going into the busy holiday season. You can get in on a deal right now that will also help local students. The West Seattle High School PTSA benefits if you pick up three Dream Dinners family-size meals at the times below. $10 of the total $60 cost will be donated!
Please help the WSHS PTSA fund academic supports for students while taking care of dinner!
The WSHS PTSA is working to fund the gap between what the state provides for education and the actual cost. Due to an expired levy, WSHS does not have the funds for its long-running tutoring program.
Order by November 4 (this Friday) for one of the dates in these ordering links:
• WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH – AT 6:15 PM
• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH – AT 11:45 AM
• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH – AT 9:45 AM
• MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH – AT 10:45 AM
All you have to do after you pick up your Dream Dinners is take them home; when you’re ready, thaw, cook, and serve. Dream Dinners-West Seattle is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, at 41st/Alaska.
7:04 AM Texter reports a crash on the eastbound bridge by 1st Ave S exit.
Earlier;
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, October 31st, Halloween.
WEATHER
After a rainy night, a showery and windy day is forecast, high in the 50s.
TRAFFIC NOTES
-Watch out for standing water on the streets and bridges; we had one late-late-night report of it on the westbound bridge, especially on the exit to Admiral. If you encounter an especially bad spot, report it to SDOT at 206-386-1218.
–Halloween: Trick-or-treaters will be out tonight, as will visitors at neighborhood attractions. Also note that the city has granted some block-party permits; we’ve been notified of one, California SW between 102nd and 104th, 6-10 pm.
–Two continuing closures: The outer southbound lane on West Marginal Way between 17th SW and the Duwamish Longhouse … The east end of Sylvan Way.
TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Open to all.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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